CRESTVIEW — Council member Robyn Helt became "madam president" Monday evening with her election to the head of the Crestview City Council.

Mayor David Cadle opened and presided over the first several minutes of the new council's first meeting, during which new Councilman Joe Blocker nominated fellow freshman Mickey Rytman to the president's chair.

Rytman, however, nominated Helt, who was elected to the position on a 4-1 vote, with Blocker voting "nay."

With a nomination by Councilman Shannon Hayes, also a new member of the body, Rytman was elected vice president by a 3-2 vote, with Rytman and Councilman Tom Gordon voting "nay."

Gordon had nominated Blocker for vice president.

Helt, who was elected to the council in 2011, welcomed the new council members and thanked them for their "vote of confidence."

"I will work very hard to do you all proud," Helt said to her colleagues.